Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA), Chief Executive Officer Professor Botsalano Mosimakoko participated at a crucial symposium targeted at improving the quality and relevance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), where she stated BQA plays an important role in improving TVET quality.
The symposium, held at the Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel & Convention Centre, brought together key stakeholders from Botswana and Germany to explore avenues for improving TVET systems through quality assurance and international cooperation.
The event, organized by the Southern African–German Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC (SAGCC) in collaboration with iMOVE: Training–Made in Germany and the Afrika–Verein (German African Business Association), was graced by the Honourable Minister of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), Dr. Douglas Letsholathebe, Permanent Secretary (PS) of MoESD, Ms. Elizabeth Bonolo Khumotaka and other dignitaries from the Education and Training sector.
In his keynote address, Dr. Letsholathebe emphasised the critical role that TVET plays in Botswana’s socio-economic development. He highlighted the government's commitment to transforming TVET into a dynamic sector that equips learners with the skills necessary to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.
The Minister said the government vision is to create a TVET system that is not only responsive to the needs of industries but also aligned with international standards. This requires a robust quality assurance framework, and we are pleased to have partners like Germany who share our commitment to excellence," said Dr. Letsholathebe.
Following the Minister's address, PS Ms. Khumotaka, launched the symposium with remarks that highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving the Ministry's goals. She noted that Botswana's collaboration with Germany, a country renowned for its advanced TVET system, provides a unique opportunity to learn from best practices and implement them within the local context.
Khumotaka said quality education is the cornerstone of sustainable development. She said the Ministry is committed to enhancing the TVET sector, which is why it is key to forge partnerships that bring in expertise, innovation, and a shared commitment to quality. This symposium marks a significant step in that direction, Ms. Khumotaka remarked.
The symposium’s program comprised of a series of panel discussions, with the second panel of the day focusing on "Improving the Quality and Relevance of TVET Programmes." Prof. Mosimakoko joined esteemed panelists from the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), International Logistics GmbH, and Knuth Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH to discuss the complexities of quality assurance in TVET.
In her presentation, Prof. Mosimakoko highlighted the pivotal role of BQA in maintaining and enhancing the quality of TVET in Botswana. She provided an in-depth overview of BQA’s mandate, which includes the registration and accreditation of education and training providers, accreditation of learning programs, and the development of national qualifications frameworks that align with regional and international standards.
BQA’s commitment to quality assurance is not just about compliance, it’s about fostering an environment where continuous improvement is the norm. She says the Authority ensures that TVET providers are well-equipped to deliver education and training that meets the needs of the labor market and the aspirations of learners.
Prof. Mosimakoko also touched on the challenges facing TVET in Botswana, including the need for increased investment in infrastructure and capacity-building for educators. However, she expressed confidence that with the right strategies and partnerships, these challenges could be overcome.
The panel discussion that followed was rich with insights from various industry experts. Representatives from International Logistics GmbH and Knuth Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH shared their experiences in implementing quality assurance processes within their organizations and how these practices could be adapted to the Botswana context. The HRDC representative further elaborated on the importance of aligning TVET programs with the needs of the industry to ensure that graduates are job ready.
Questions from the audience, which included delegates from the education sector, industry, and academia, reflected a strong interest in how Botswana can further improve its TVET system. Topics such as the integration of digital tools in education, the development of industry-specific qualifications, and the potential for more collaborative research between Botswana and Germany were extensively discussed.
The event concluded with a commitment from all parties to continue working together to enhance the quality of TVET in Botswana, ensuring that it contributes meaningfully to the country’s socio-economic development.